Tinker Depot Takes Over F-22 Nozzle Repair

The Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex at Tinker AFB, Okla., recently became responsible for repairing components of the F-22’s thrust-vectoring engine nozzles, announced Tinker officials. OC-ALC mechanics are now certified to fix liners and structures of the F-22’s airframe-mounted nozzle sidewall in Tinker’s Building 3001, according to the base’s Nov. 16 release. They assumed the task from Raptor engine supplier Pratt & Whitney over a 30-month period of transition that concluded in August, states the release. “There was a lot of preliminary work,” said Patricia Welch, who oversaw the depot activation for Tinker. She added, “We had to identify floor space where the repairs could be made, and then we had to prepare the shop for occupancy.” The $7 million, three-step activation process occurred on budget and on schedule, states the release. The AMNS maintenance shop is located near the complex’s F-22 special technology coating shop. Two P&W F119 turbofan engines power each F-22. (Tinker report by Mike W. Ray)